Mobile computing device and method of transmitting data therefrom

ABSTRACT

A mobile computing device is provided. The device includes a first port having a pinout configuration that is configured to support at least one data format, a data source configured to provide data of a second data format that is different from the at least one data format, and a first multiplexer configured to selectively direct data from the data source towards the first port. The pinout configuration is modified to enable the first port to support the second data format.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/025,521, filed Sep. 12, 2013, which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The field of the present disclosure relates generally to mobilecomputing devices and, more specifically, to hardware that facilitatesincreasing the functionality of a mobile computing device.

Mobile computing devices, such as smartphones, cellular phones, andpersonal digital assistants (PDAs), have grown in use and popularityamong a variety of different types of users. At least some known mobilecomputing devices use a cable medium to transfer data between the mobilecomputing device and other electronic devices. Generally, connectorsthat are coupled to opposing ends of the cable medium and docking portsdefined in the mobile computing device support predetermined standardprotocols that enable data to be transferred therebetween. Morespecifically, the connectors and docking ports include a pinout that isarranged in a predetermined configuration to support the standardprotocols. Exemplary standard protocols include universal serial bus(USB), firewire (IEEE 1394), high-definition multimedia interface(HDMI), DisplayPort (e.g., 2-Lane and 4-Lane), and portable digitalmedia interface (PDMI).

The functionality of at least some known mobile computing devices isbased at least partially on the amount and types of docking portsincluded in the mobile computing device. For example, a mobile computingdevice will generally have a dedicated USB docking port and a dedicatedHDMI docking port to support USB and HDMI functionality. Further, atleast some known docking ports support multiple functionalities. Forexample, a docking port that supports the PDMI standard protocol hasboth 2-Lane DisplayPort and USB functionality. Increasing thefunctionality of a mobile computing device is becoming increasinglyimportant to those in the electronics industry. As such, it may bedesirable to modify the pinout configuration of an existing docking portto facilitate increasing the functionality of a mobile computing device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, a mobile computing device is provided. The deviceincludes a first port configured with a first pinout to support a firstdata format, a data source configured to provide data in a second dataformat different from the first data format, and a first multiplexerconfigured to selectively transmit data from the data source to thefirst port. The first port is reconfigured with a second pinout tosupport the second data format.

In another aspect, a method of transmitting data from a mobile computingdevice is provided. The method includes selecting a data source fromwhich to provide data to a first port in the mobile computing device,wherein the first port is configured with a first pinout to support afirst data format and the data source is configured to transmit data ina second data format that is different from the first data format. Themethod also includes selectively transmitting the data in the seconddata format to the first port, reconfiguring the first pinout with asecond pinout that enables the first port to support the second dataformat, and transmitting the data in the second data format through thefirst port.

In yet another aspect, a mobile computing device is provided. The deviceincludes a first port comprising a first pinout that is configured tosupport a portable digital media interface, a plurality of data sourcesthat are each configured to provide data in a data format, wherein abias is selectively asserted on a first pin of said first port tofacilitate selecting the data format to transmit to the first port fromone of the plurality of data sources, and a multiplexer configured toselectively transmit data from the one of the plurality of data sourcesto the first port, wherein the first pinout is reconfigured with asecond pinout to support the selected data format.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary mobile computingdevice.

FIG. 2 is a back perspective view of the mobile computing device shownin FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary hardware architecturethat may be used with the mobile computing device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an alternative exemplary hardwarearchitecture that may be used with the mobile computing device shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative exemplary pinout for a docking portshown in FIG. 1 in the first operational mode.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative exemplary pinout for a docking portshown in FIG. 1 in the second operational mode.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative exemplary pinout for a docking portshown in FIG. 1 in the third operational mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The implementations described herein relate to devices and methods thatmay be used to transmit data to and/or from a mobile computing device.In the exemplary implementation, the mobile computing device useshardware-based switching mechanisms to direct data from a data source tomore than one docking port in the mobile computing device. For example,the switching mechanisms facilitate selectively transmitting data of apredetermined data format either to a first docking port that supportsthe predetermined data format or a second docking port that may bereconfigured to support the predetermined data format. Morespecifically, the pinout of the second docking port may be reconfiguredto support the predetermined data format. As such, the switchingmechanisms facilitate increasing the functionality of the mobilecomputing device.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary mobile computing device 10. In theexemplary implementation, mobile computing device 10 is provided forsupporting communication with another device, such as another mobilecomputing device and/or an electronic display device. Moreover, mobilecomputing device 10 may include a variety of other functionalities,including network access, SMS messaging, hosting of one or moreapplications, data processing, encryption, and/or other functions. Inthe exemplary implementation, mobile computing device 10 is asmartphone, configured to communicate through one or more cellularnetworks.

As shown, mobile computing device 10 includes a housing 12 and multiplepresentation devices 14 disposed at least partially within housing 12.Presentation device 14 outputs information such as, but not limited to,data related to operation of mobile computing device 10, commands,requested data, messages, one or more input devices (such as, a virtualkeyboard), and/or any other type of data to a user. In several examples,presentation device 14 may include, for example, a liquid crystaldisplay (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display, a light-emittingdiode (LED), a camera flash, an organic LED (OLED) display, and/or an“electronic ink” display. Multiple presentation devices 14 may beincluded to present data to a user visually and/or audibly, andpresentation device 14 may include an audio output for use in voicecommunication.

Mobile computing device 10 further includes multiple input devices 16disposed at least partially within housing 12. Each input device 16 maybe configured to receive selections, requests, commands, information,data, and/or any other type of inputs, according to one or more of themethods and/or processes described herein. Input devices 16 may include,for example, buttons, a keyboard, a microphone, a pointing device, astylus, a touch sensitive panel (e.g., a touch pad or a touch screen), agyroscope, an accelerometer, a digital compass, a position detector, acamera, a second camera, and/or an audio input interface. A singlecomponent, such as a touch screen 18, may function as both presentationdevice 14 and input device 16.

Mobile computing device 10 also includes multiple docking ports disposedat least partially within housing 12 and that support a predeterminedstandard protocol. As such, each docking port supports at least one dataformat for use in transmitting data to and/or from mobile computingdevice 10. In the exemplary implementation, mobile computing device 10includes a portable digital media interface (PDMI) port 22, a UniversalSerial Bus (USB) port 24, and a high-definition multimedia interface(HDMI) port 26.

Mobile computing device 10 includes a back panel 20 engaged with housing12. Back panel 20 defines a cross-section substantially consistent withhousing 12, thereby forming a substantially integral unit with housing12 when coupled thereto. Back panel 20 is removable from mobilecomputing device 10 to provide access to one or more aspects of mobilecomputing device 10.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary hardware architecture100 that may be used with mobile computing device 10. In the exemplaryimplementation, hardware architecture 100 includes a processor 102, amultiplexer 104, and multiple power switches 106 and 108. Multiplexer104 and power switches 106 and 108 are each coupled in communicationwith processor 102. Hardware architecture 100 also includes a firstdocking port 110 that supports the USB standard protocol and a seconddocking port 112 that supports the PDMI standard protocol. In analternative implementation, first docking port 110 and second dockingport 112 may be configured to support any standard protocol.

Processor 102 may include one or more processing units (e.g., in amulti-core configuration). Further, processor 102 may be implementedusing one or more heterogeneous processor systems in which a mainprocessor is present with secondary processors on a single chip. Asanother illustrative example, processor 102 may be a symmetricmulti-processor system containing multiple processors of the same type.Further, processor 102 may be implemented using any suitableprogrammable circuit including one or more systems and microcontrollers,microprocessors, reduced instruction set circuits (RISC), applicationspecific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic circuits, fieldprogrammable gate arrays (FPGA), and any other circuit capable ofexecuting the functions described herein.

Multiplexer 104 sends and receives data frames between processor 102,first docking port 110, and second docking port 112, and may be used asboth a multiplexer and a demultiplexer. More specifically, multiplexer104 is configured to split a data frame into multiple data frames andconfigured to combine multiple data frames into one data frame. In someimplementations, multiplexer 104 is configured to act as a switch inthat multiplexer 104 is configured to route data frames through aparticular channel (not shown) based on a desired or predetermineddestination.

An attachment sensor 118 is coupled in communication with second dockingport 112, multiplexer 104, and power switches 106 and 108. Morespecifically, attachment sensor 118 is coupled in communication withsecond docking port 112 via a sensing line 120, and is coupled incommunication with multiplexer 104 via a command line 122, power switch106 via a command line 124, and power switch 108 via a command line 126.Attachment sensor 118 may be implemented as a hardware circuit includingcustom very large scale integration (“VLSI”) circuits or gate arrays,off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or otherdiscrete components. Attachment sensor 118 may also be implemented inprogrammable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays(FPGAs), programmable array logic, and/or programmable logic devices(PLDs).

Power switches 106 and 108 are coupled in communication betweenprocessor 102 and first and second docking ports 110 and 112. Morespecifically, first power switch 106 is coupled between processor 102and first docking port 110, and second power switch 108 is coupledbetween processor 102 and second docking port 112. Power switches 106and 108 may be fabricated from field effect transistors (FET), such asmetal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFET), bipolartransistors, such as insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBT), bipolarjunction transistors (BJT), and gate turn-off thyristors (GTO).

Power switches 106 and 108 facilitate routing USB power into and/or outof a selected docking port. As such, a corner condition may be mitigatedby enabling hardware architecture 100 to allow the standard USB methodof port detection to have continued functionality. Further, powerswitches 106 and 108 operate independently from processor 102 becauseprocessor 102 would not be operable when mobile computing device 10 isoff. As such, the charging function of the USB connection continues towork even when mobile computing device 10 is off and/or if mobilecomputing device 10 has a low battery.

In operation, mobile computing device 10 is in a first operational modewhen an interface connector is disconnected from second docking port112, and is in a second operational mode when an interface connectorcouples with second docking port 112. More specifically, the secondoperational mode may be actuated when attachment sensor 118 detects abias asserted on second docking port 112 via sensing line 120. Forexample, in one implementation, a sink device (e.g., a monitor) (notshown) may assert a non-zero voltage on at least one pin of seconddocking port 112 to request data to be transmitted through seconddocking port 112. In an alternative implementation, the sink device mayground the at least one pin to request to receive data.

Upon detection of the bias asserted on second docking port 112,attachment sensor 118 directs multiplexer 104 to transmit data fromprocessor 102 towards second docking port 112. More specifically,multiplexer 104 is configured to route data based on a command receivedfrom attachment sensor 118 via command line 122. Attachment sensor 118may also direct, via command lines 124 and 126, power switches 106 and108 to channel power from processor 102 to second docking port 112.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an alternative exemplary hardwarearchitecture 150 that may be used with mobile computing device 10. Inthe exemplary implementation, hardware architecture 150 includes datasources such as a USB 3.0 Super Speed source (USB source) 130, aDisplayPort source 132, and an HDMI source 134. DisplayPort source 132and HDMI source 134 produce a desired data and/or video format usingprocessor 102 (shown in FIG. 3) and an interface chip (not shown). In analternative implementation, the data sources may provide data in anysuitable data format that enables mobile computing device 10 to functionas described herein.

Hardware architecture 150 also includes second docking port 112 and athird docking port 114 that may each channel data from selected datasources therethrough. Second docking port 112 supports the PDMI standardprotocol, and third docking port 114 supports the HDMI standardprotocol. In an alternative implementation, second docking port 112 andthird docking port 114 may be configured to support any standardprotocol.

A first multiplexer 140 and a second multiplexer 142 are located betweendata sources 130, 132, and 134, and second and third docking ports 112and 114. First multiplexer 140 sends and receives data frames betweenHDMI source 134, second multiplexer 142, and third docking port 114, andsecond multiplexer 142 sends and receives data frames between USB source130, DisplayPort source 132, first multiplexer 140, and second dockingport 112.

Attachment sensor 118 is coupled in communication with second dockingport 112, first multiplexer 140, and second multiplexer 142. Morespecifically, attachment sensor 118 is coupled in communication withsecond docking port 112 via sensing line 120, is coupled incommunication with first multiplexer 140 via a command line 144, and iscoupled in communication with second multiplexer 142 a via command line146.

In operation, mobile computing device 10 is in a first operational modewhen an interface connector is disconnected from second docking port112, and is in a second operational mode when an interface connectorcouples with second docking port 112. More specifically, the secondoperational mode may be actuated when attachment sensor 118 detects abias asserted on second docking port 112 via sensing line 120. Forexample, in one implementation, a sink device may assert a bias on atleast one pin of second docking port 112 to request data and/or video tobe transmitted through second docking port 112.

When mobile computing device 10 is in the first operational mode, firstmultiplexer 140 transmits data from HDMI source 134 towards thirddocking port 114, and second multiplexer 142 channels data from one ofdata sources 130 and 132 to second docking port 112. When mobilecomputing device 10 is in the second operational mode, either firstmultiplexer 140 transmits data from HDMI source 134 to second dockingport 112 or second multiplexer 142 transmits data from DisplayPortsource 132 to second docking port 112 at an increased data rate whencompared to the first operational mode. Further, as will be explained ingreater detail below, the pinout of second docking port 112 may bereconfigured in the second operational mode such that second dockingport 112 can support the additional bandwidth supplied from HDMI source134 and/or DisplayPort source 132.

Multiplexers 140 and 142 are configured to route data based on commandsreceived from attachment sensor 118 via command lines 144 and 146. Morespecifically, a sink device provides a request to receive data in aselected data format through the connector that interfaces with seconddocking port 112, and attachment sensor 118 receives the request anddirects multiplexers 140 and 142 to transmit the data from HDMI source134 and/or DisplayPort source 132 to second docking port 112. In such animplementation, the pinout of second docking port 112 is reconfiguredwith a second pinout to support the HDMI standard protocol and/or the4-Lane DisplayPort standard protocol.

FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 illustrate exemplary pinouts of second docking port112 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) in first, second, and third operationalmodes. In the exemplary implementation, the pinout of second dockingport 112 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) may be reconfigured to enable seconddocking port 112 to support multiple data formats. For example, thepinout may be reconfigured to enable second docking port 112 to be infirst, second, and third operational modes based on a bias detected onat least one pin of second docking port 112. More specifically, seconddocking port 112 is in the first operational mode when a bias is notdetected on one of the pins, second docking port 112 is in the secondoperational mode when a first bias is detected on one of the pins, andsecond docking port 112 is in the third operational mode when a secondbias is detected on one of the pins. The first bias may be a groundapplied to the pin, and the second bias may be a non-zero voltagedetected on the pin. Attachment sensor 118 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) maydetect the first bias and/or the second bias and then commandmultiplexer 104 (shown in FIG. 3) and/or multiplexers 140 and 142 (shownin FIG. 4) to transmit data from a selected data source to seconddocking port 112. In an alternative implementation, the first bias andthe second bias may be any bias that enables second docking port 112 tofunction as described herein. Moreover, in an alternativeimplementation, second docking port 112 may be in the first operationalmode when the bias is detected on a first pin, second docking port 112may be in the second operational mode when the bias is detected on asecond pin, and second docking port 112 may be in the third operationalmode when the bias is detected on a third pin.

The type of bias and/or the lack thereof detected on pin 7 facilitatesdetermining the data format to transmit to second docking port 112.Referring now to FIG. 5, mobile computing device 10 configures seconddocking port 112 to operate in the first operational mode when a bias isnot detected on pin 7 and upon detection of a bias on pin 10. Morespecifically, detecting a bias on pin 10 may provide an indication toattachment sensor 118 that a sink device is requesting USB service.Further, leaving pin 7 open may provide an indication to attachmentsensor 118 that the sink device is requesting 2-Lane DisplayPort servicevia pins 20-30. As such, the pinout of second docking port 112 does notneed to be reconfigured to facilitate supporting and transmitting the2-Lane DisplayPort data format therethrough. In an alternativeimplementation, when a bias is not detected on pin 7 and detecting abias on pin 10 may provide an indication that the sink device isrequesting data in any suitable data format to be transmitted throughsecond docking port 112.

Referring now to FIG. 6, mobile computing device 10 configures seconddocking port 112 to operate in the second operational mode upondetection of a ground on pin 7 and upon detection of a bias on pin 10.More specifically, detecting a ground on pin 7 and detecting a bias onpin 10 may provide an indication to attachment sensor 118 that a sinkdevice is requesting USB service and/or HDMI service. The pinout maythen be modified to support the HDMI data format because second dockingport 112 may be unable to support both 2-Lane DisplayPort and HDMI dataformats simultaneously. For example, second docking port 112 supportsUSB 2.0, USB 3.0, and 2-Lane DisplayPort service when in the firstoperational mode. In the second operational mode, pins 11-14 and pins17-30 are reallocated from USB 3.0, Consumer Electronic Control, and2-Lane DisplayPort to enable second docking port 112 to supporttransmitting the HDMI data format. In an alternative implementation,detecting a ground on pin 7 and detecting a bias on pin 10 may providean indication that the sink device is requesting data in any suitabledata format to be transmitted through second docking port 112.

Referring now to FIG. 7, mobile computing device 10 configures seconddocking port 112 to operate in the third operational mode upon detectionof a non-zero voltage on pin 7 and upon detection of a bias on pin 10.More specifically, detecting a non-zero voltage on pin 7 and detecting abias on pin 10 may provide an indication to attachment sensor 118 that asink device is requesting USB service and/or 4-Lane DisplayPort service.The pinout may then be reconfigured to support the 4-Lane DisplayPortdata format because second docking port 112 may be unable to supportboth 2-Lane DisplayPort and 4-Lane DisplayPort data formatssimultaneously. For example, second docking port 112 supports USB 2.0,USB 3.0, and 2-Lane DisplayPort service when in the first operationalmode. In the third operational mode, pins 11-14 and pins 17-30 arere-allocated from USB 3.0, Consumer Electronic Control, and 2-LaneDisplayPort to enable second docking port 112 to support transmittingthe 4-Lane DisplayPort data format. Further, the non-zero voltage issupplied to pin 7 from pin 23 of the pinout configuration. In analternative implementation, detecting a non-zero voltage on pin 7 anddetecting a bias on pin 10 may provide an indication that the sinkdevice is requesting data in any suitable data format to be transmittedthrough second docking port 112. Further, in an alternativeimplementation, the non-zero voltage may be supplied from any suitablepower source that enables second docking port 112 to function asdescribed herein.

Moreover, in an alternative implementation, any pin of second dockingport 112 may be configured to receive the bias and facilitate video modedetection for second docking port 112.

The devices and methods described herein facilitate increasing thefunctionality of a mobile computing device. More specifically, thedevices described herein include a hardware architecture that enablesdata of a selected data format to be selectively provided to dockingports at least partially disposed in the mobile computing the device. Aninterface at the docking ports is detected when a sink device asserts abias on the ports, and the pinout of one of the ports may bereconfigured to support the selected data format. As such, the mobilecomputing device described herein includes docking ports that arecompatible with popular connectors used by consumers, and a docking portthat may be reconfigured to have increased functionality and to transmitmultiple data formats therethrough.

This written description uses examples to disclose variousimplementations, including the best mode, and also to enable any personskilled in the art to practice the various implementations, includingmaking and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporatedmethods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by theclaims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled inthe art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of theclaims if they have structural elements that do not differ from theliteral language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structuralelements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of theclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile computing device comprising: a firstport configured with a first pinout to support a first data format and asecond pinout to support a second data format, wherein the first dataformat is different from the second data format; a first data sourceconfigured to provide data in the first data format; a second datasource configured to provide data in the second data format; a firstmultiplexer connected to the first data source; and a second multiplexerconnected to the second data source, the first multiplexer, and thefirst port, wherein the first multiplexer is configured to selectivelytransmit data from the first data source to the second multiplexer, andwherein the second multiplexer is configured to selectively transmitdata to the first port from one of the second data source and an outputfrom the first multiplexer that includes data in the first data format.2. The device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the first portcomprises a portable digital media interface (PDMI) port.
 3. The devicein accordance with claim 1, wherein the first data format and the seconddata format is one of a universal serial bus (USB) data format, ahigh-definition multimedia interface (PDMI) data format, and a 4-LaneDisplayPort data format.
 4. The device in accordance with claim 1further comprising a second port configured with a third pinout tosupport the first data format wherein the second port is connected tothe first multiplexer.
 5. The device in accordance with claim 4 furthercomprising a hardware sensor configured to detect a bias asserted on thefirst port and configured to command the first multiplexer and thesecond multiplexer to selectively transmit the data in the second dataformat to the first port based, at least in part, on the detected bias.6. The device in accordance with claim 5, wherein the bias is assertedon at least one pin of the first port to facilitate selecting the dataformat to be transmitted to the first port.
 7. The device in accordancewith claim 5, wherein the first multiplexer transmits data in the firstdata format to the second port when a bias is not detected, andtransmits data in the first data format to the first port when the biasis detected.
 8. The device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the firstport is reconfigured with a third pinout, wherein the third pinoutsupports additional bandwidth for one of the first data format and thesecond data format.
 9. A method of transmitting data from a mobilecomputing device, the method comprising: selectively transmitting datafrom a first data source to a first port in the mobile computing device,wherein the first port is configured with a first pinout to support afirst data format, and wherein the first data source provides data inthe first data format; selecting a second data source from which toprovide data to the first port in the mobile computing device, whereinthe second data source is configured to transmit data in a second dataformat that is different from the first data format; reconfiguring thefirst port with a second pinout that enables the first port to supportthe second data format; receiving at a first multiplexer, data in thefirst data format from the first data source; selectively transmittingdata in the first data format from the first multiplexer to a secondmultiplexer; and selectively transmitting data by the second multiplexerto the first port from one of the second data source configured toprovide data in the second data format and an output of the firstmultiplexer that includes data in the first data format.
 10. The methodin accordance with claim 9, wherein selecting a second data sourcecomprises detecting a bias on at least one pin of the first port. 11.The method in accordance with claim 10, wherein detecting a biascomprises detecting at least one of a ground and a non-zero voltage onthe at least one pin, the second data source selected based on the biasasserted on the at least one pin.
 12. The method in accordance withclaim 11, wherein detecting a non-zero voltage comprises detecting thenon-zero voltage that is supplied to the at least one pin of the firstport.
 13. The method in accordance with claim 10 further comprisingselecting a default data source when a bias is not detected on the atleast one pin.
 14. The method in accordance with claim 9, whereinreconfiguring the first port comprises allocating at least one pin ofthe first pinout to support the second data format.
 15. The method inaccordance with claim 9, further comprising: detecting, by a hardwaresensor, the second pinout in the first port; and transmitting, by thehardware sensor directly via a command line, commands to the firstmultiplexer and the second multiplexer to selectively transmit data fromthe second data source to the first port, wherein the hardware sensor iscoupled to the first multiplexer and the second multiplexer via acommand line.
 16. A mobile computing device comprising; a first portcomprising a first pinout that is configured to support a portabledigital media interface and a second pinout to support a high-definitionmultimedia interface; a plurality of data sources that are eachconfigured to provide data in a data format, wherein a bias isselectively asserted on a first pin of the first port to facilitateselecting the data format to transmit to the first port from one of theplurality of data sources; a first multiplexer configured to selectivelytransmit data from a first data source of the one of the plurality ofdata sources; a second multiplexer configured to selectively transmitdata from a second data source of the one of the plurality of datasources and the first multiplexer; and a hardware sensor coupled to thefirst multiplexer and the second multiplexer via a command line andcoupled to the first port via a sensing line, wherein the hardwaresensor is configured to: detect, via the sensing line, the pinoutassociated with the first port; and transmit, directly via the commandline, commands to the first multiplexer and the second multiplexer toselectively transmit data from the one of the plurality of data sourcesto the first port, wherein the pinout is reconfigured to support theselected data format.
 17. The device in accordance with claim 16,wherein the first multiplexer and second multiplexer transmit data in afirst data format when a first bias is asserted on a first pin andtransmits data in a second data format when a second bias is asserted onthe first pin.
 18. The device in accordance with claim 17, wherein thefirst bias comprises a ground applied to the first pin and the secondbias comprises a non-zero voltage asserted on the first pin.
 19. Thedevice in accordance with claim 18, wherein the non-zero voltage issupplied to the first pin of the first port.
 20. The device inaccordance with claim 16, wherein a default data format is selected whena bias is not asserted on a first pin.